Business workshop to focus on boosting Blaine’s downtown

By Stefanie Donahue

Have an idea to help boost activity in Blaine’s downtown? Join an open discussion with city staff and interested members of the public at an evening business workshop this month.

Sponsored by the Blaine Chamber of Commerce, the third Blaine business workshop will take place at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, January 25 at the Pizza Factory, located at 738 Peace Portal Drive.

The workshop is intended to foster a public discussion about ways to attract interest in Blaine’s downtown. Early workshops focused on the need to improve signage and the topic will likely be revisited during the coming meeting, said Carroll Solomon from the Blaine Chamber of Commerce.

The signs across the street from the Blaine Visitor Information Center, located at 728 Peace Portal Drive, only direct the public to restrooms – she’d prefer to see them direct people to the visitor’s center as well.

Blaine signage.

“If we can get people into the visitor’s center, then we can get them into other businesses downtown,” she said.

Staff representing the city of Blaine will be in attendance to answer questions and help guide the conversation. In the past, remarks made at the workshops have had an impact on city improvement efforts, particularly with signage, Solomon said.

The event is free and open to the public, and all ideas are welcome. For those who can’t attend, comments can be sent to the Blaine Chamber of Commerce at vic@cityofblaine.com. For more information call 360/332-6484.

“No idea is a bad one,” Solomon said. “It’s open to everyone.”